1167. Hospital Readmissions among Infants Diagnosed with Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis in Connecticut

Abstract

BackgroundEarly-onset neonatal sepsis, defined as sepsis within 72 hours of birth, results in significant infant morbidity and mortality. Readmissions associated with neonatal sepsis have not previously been well-described. Early-onset neonatal sepsis is a mandatory reportable condition in Connecticut, allowing for expanded data collection through public health surveillance to evaluate readmissions. MethodsInfants with early-onset neonatal sepsis born in Connecticut during 2007–2016 were identified from statewide surveillance data and matched with a statewide hospital discharge database. We describe readmission rates, causes and timing of readmissions, and demographic and clinical factors associated with readmission among this group.ResultsAmong 250 infants with early-onset neonatal sepsis matched to discharge data, 208 (82%) infants survived their initial hospitalization at birth. During the first year of life, 49 (23.6%) infants were readmitted. The most frequent reasons for readmissions were pulmonary complications (19%), systemic symptoms (17%), and gastrointestinal illness (13%). Infants with initial hospitalizations lasting longer than 30 days after birth were associated with higher rates of readmission compared to those discharged within 30 days after birth (35% vs. 19%, p=0.02). Higher readmission rates were observed among non-white infants (29% vs. 18%, p=0.06). Summary of early-onset neonatal sepsis cases and return hospital visits in Connecticut, 2007-2016 Demographic and clinical factors for Connecticut neonatal sepsis cases, 2007-2016 Reason for one-year readmissions of Connecticut neonatal sepsis cases, 2007-2016 The top three reasons for readmission include pulmonary (19%), systemic (17%), and GI problems (13%).ConclusionGiven the high proportion of infants diagnosed with early-onset neonatal sepsis who are readmitted within the first year of life, further efforts are needed to prevent readmissions among this vulnerable patient population. Non-white infants and infants with prolonged initial hospitalizations after birth might be at higher risk for readmission. These groups warrant intensified strategies to prevent readmission.Disclosures Vivian Leung, MD, Nothing to disclose